Program Operations Manual System (POMS)

RS 02001.273 Crews of Ship Rule under the Agreement with Belgium

A person employed on a U.S. or Belgian ship who would otherwise have dual coverage under the social security taxation and coverage laws of both the United States and Belgium, will only have coverage under the laws of the country whose flag the ship flies. If a ship of one country is in the territorial waters or a port of the other country, this provision will only apply to those workers who are ordinarily employees on the ship while it is at sea. Others, such as cargo handlers, pilots, maintenance crews, etc. will be subject to the laws of the country in which they are working unless they qualify as a detached worker.